Arbres et arbustes de la Tunisie méridionale menacés de disparition

Abstract

In southern Tunisia where mean annual rainfall is less than 200 mm, the flora is more and more subject to a high and continuous human pressure for at least the last century. This flora includes about 850 species among which about 47 are trees and shrubs (c. 5 %). These trees and shrubs are among the most threatened species of the southern Tunisian flora for several reasons, as excessive use for domestic purposes, and their poor natural and even artificial regeneration. Some species (Cistus clusii, Cistus salviifolius, Ephedra nebrodensis, Jasminum fruticans, Pinus halepensis, Juniperus oxycedrus, Rhamnus lycioides, Salix pedicellata and Prosopis farcta) have completely disappeared from the southern Tunisian flora. Others, such as Rhus tripartita, Periploca angustifolia, Acacia tortilis, Ceratonia siliqua, Pistacia atlantica, Calligonum ssp. and Rosmarinus officinalis, are increasingly encountered only as more or less isolated individuals. They are rare in this region and are restricted to gullies, talwegs and other protected areas. © 1999, Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.